Free Mac app WhatCable tells you what each of your USB-C cables can really do
9to5Mac • • technology
Key Points:
- USB-C cables vary widely in capabilities such as data transfer speed, video bandwidth, and power delivery, despite looking identical, causing confusion for users.
- WhatCable is a free Mac app that tests USB-C cables by reading embedded chip data and measuring real-time performance, providing clear information on cable capabilities and limitations.
- The app identifies whether the Mac port, cable, or connected device is limiting charging rates or video resolution, helping users determine if a faster cable would improve performance.
- A Pro version of WhatCable is available for £9.99 ($13.40), offering detailed live negotiation data between devices to explain charging and transmission speeds.
- The app has been positively reviewed for accuracy, though some cables may misrepresent their capabilities, a limitation also found in hardware cable testers.
